<p>OP, you have a hook. It’s called a development case. It may work for you like other hooks such as urm, geographic diversity etc. no one knows for sure if it could help you get in a specific school for a specific year except the said school. Your parents may find out by reaching out to the school</p>
<p>More to the point is that I think that you’re actually less likely to get into an Ivy from Amdover/Exeter, where you’ll be one fish in a sea of kids who have wealth and good grades and great sat scores. If this is all about college placement, you’d be better off at one of the excellent schools mentioned here where that hard work is more likely to result in A’s. Exeter is full of kids who work really hard for their B’s.</p>
<p>Once again, I highly dissuade anyone from trying to buy their way into these schools. Don’t you think you’ll feel guilty in your future? Knowing you didn’t truly earn it? Also, if you can’t keep your grades up now what will you do if you get into an outrageously demanding prep school? You could suffer trying to stay afloat. One of my favorite quotes is, “I believe in hard work and luck, and that the first often leads to the second.” (by JK Rowling) If you work hard enough your bound to get lucky with something, but not necessarily everything.</p>
<p>^^You’re going to get a valuable education at PA, 2016.</p>
<p>@PelicanDad
I know. Its been my dream to go there ever since I was little and would drive by it all the time (I live in Andover). I will treasure every day I spend there :)</p>
<p>There are two sides to the argument, but I refuse to believe that the positive outweighs the negative in a decision like this. The OP says that (s)he is willing to work hard if accepted, and also a donation will help others in terms of financial aid. However, with poor scores, any acceptance would not be based on merit. And I must agree with Momof7thgrader that if the OP did not work hard before applying, why should (s)he work hard after being accepted? It just creates an attitude of entitlement.</p>
<p>Perhaps since I am so fresh from the admission process my views are a little skewed. I needed quite a substantial amount of financial aid, and so this post does strike a nerve. Why should I work so hard for an acceptance if other kids can simply buy their way in? I know that donations provide financial aid, but I hope that the donations are coming from the families of wealthy AND qualified students, not just wealthy students. I understand that as admission becomes increasingly selective, parents try to help their children’s chances in any way they can. But a donation of this sort is no more than a simple bribe. There should be no argument as to whether it is a good option for the OP. It shouldn’t even be an option. </p>
<p>@acdunk53: If your scores were within the range of the more competitive schools, then I would not be quite so indignant that you want to trade a donation for an acceptance. However, your scores were low and so I think it’s quite wrong of you to even consider this because it doesn’t appear that you are at all deserving. I apologize if this post is rather hard, but I admit I have little sympathy. If you want to go to boarding school so badly, work for it. And on a different note, the experience will be much more satisfying if you feel that you got in on your own. </p>
<p>Bottom line: Privilege has its privileges; don’t abuse them.</p>
<p>No matter how rich your family is, it is not in the interest of the school to admit you if they believe you are incapable to performing ADEQUATELY there-- it will only cause headache for them if they do.</p>
<p>However, if you can demonstrate that you have the academic aptitude to perform ADEQUATELY there (i.e., grades, SSAT, teachers recs), and your family is very rich and hints that it will be a very generous donor if you are admitted, then you stand a good chance of being admitted, even if you apply late. I am aware of such a case.</p>
<p>From what I’ve gathered, a school like Andover or Exeter etc. is not a place that you would be happy at. Schools like these can sometimes have competitive and highly stressful environments, and even if you say that you want to try a lot harder, a school like Exeter is not going to really support you. Also, there are kids at these schools who DON"T get into ivies-- it’s never a sure thing! I would recommend a school that isn’t as stressful and competitive, like Northfield Mount Hermon (I’ll be a freshman there next year, and I chose it over more “prestigious” schools like Lawrenceville and Taft). NMH has wonderful academics that compare to these schools. It is part of the eight schools association (known as the “ivy league” of boarding schools. Other members are Hotchkiss, andover, exeter, deerfield, lawrenceville, st. pauls, and choate), and has amazing academics, with many kids who go on to harvard, princeton, etc. However, their average ssat score is in the 60’s. This is because NMH admits great kids with good character, not just the stereotypical genius asian kid with a 99% ssat. I think that a school like NMH, which has academics and facilities that are totally on par with the brand name schools. There are a lot of boarding schools out there that have great academics, but will be more suited for someone like you. Now I’m basing this just on the little bit of info that I have of you, so all this may be wrong! Believe me, I was obsessed with going to one of the andover/exeter/hotchkiss-type schools, but I realized that I would never be happy at a place filled with kids who over work themselves and compete all the time. I’m not saying that all of these schools are like that, and maybe you would love it at one of them, but I chose to attend a school that will make me a better person AND student. Inbox me if you have any questions about NMH or boarding schools in general. Good luck!</p>
<p>Haha, sorry I kind of didn’t finish a sentence in there, (it’s late, I’m a wreck!!)</p>
<p>@futureboarder You are right, I obviously don’t deserve it. </p>
<p>The reason I want to go to boarding school so badly is because I am a freshman, and this is my last chance to go to a BS since they don’t usually accept juniors and it’s gonna be hard if I go as a junior. I had applied to schools, but was rejected by most of them. I was accepted by a few. I am currently attending this school that ends at grade 9. Bribing really is the only option and since I am gonna bribe we thought we’d just go for the best one. </p>
<p>When I applied to school, my grades were horrible. I never studied in semester 1 and my GPA was like 3.0. But since semester 2 I started working and my GPA went to 3.8. My parents and I think I can do better than the schools I am accepted. </p>
<p>NMH was one of the school I applied for and got rejected. I also applied to Lawrenceville and St.Paul and Deerfield which I now I think of it it’s pretty stupid since no way I’m gonna get in those schools with 3.0 GPA. We didn’t even bother applying to PA and PAS because it’s pointless even to try.</p>
<p>I know many people work their butt off trying to get into those schools and now I think of it, 8th graders who with college credits and acing Calculus couldn’t even get in. I would probably die at those schools. But they just seem so awesome. NMH was actually my top choice out of those, but I sucked so I didn’t get in.</p>
<p>Just another suggestion: My sons went to St Paul’s and loved it, but they struggled too because SPS is very difficult for most people. Both of them (although really smart) questioned if they were in the right place because everyone was “smarter” than them. Not true, but most kids at these very selective schools end up having doubts at some point because of the strong intellect of their peer group. After the first year, because they had the SSAT’s in the 90’s, they got the hang of it and did super socially and academically. They were indeed in the right place. </p>
<p>My daughter, however, struggled before high school, had scores similar to yours and went to Pomfret in Connecticut. We LOVED that school. She LOVED that school. They took her to the next level, worked with her on her weaknesses, supported her desire to be better. She is now a very successful 25 year old manager of a group of people at a mutual fnds company.</p>
<p>I mention Pomfret because I know they took her roommate who applied late just before 3rd form year. I think especially if you don’t need financial aid, and they have a spot, it is a possibility they would look at a well thought out application with an explanation (honest) of why you are where you are at this point in your education. Wouldn’t recommend the whole bribe thing though. </p>
<p>These schools are looking at your character, as well as your grades/scores, as an indication of ability to succeed.</p>
<p>since you are a freshman, why don’t you keep working hard the next year and apply as a repeat sophmore?</p>
<p>Even in top schools, all students are not equally academically strong. Everyone has their own strengths and that’s basically what “hooks” do to diversify the student body. Of course, the bottom line should be you can <em>handle</em> the academics there. Who can best answer that question? The school you are interested in! Have your parents get in touch with the school of your interest, send in the info they need, start the process, meet the AO/teachers/coaches… I believe they will at least let you know if they think you’d fit in and what are the chances of your being happy at the school before they take your parents’ 2 million. I encourage you to do so, and since you are on this board, I agree if you could designate the money to support FA that’d be even better. If it works out, it’s a win win for both you and the school, and it’d benefit students who need FA in the future.</p>
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<p>Your question boils down to, “can my parents buy me admission to PA, PEA, or Deerfield?” The short answer is, NO. The long answer is, it would be a terrible thing to do to you. None of these schools want to set a student up to fail. The rejections from “most” of the schools you applied to should make you reluctant to jump into the most intense high schools in the country. Average SSAT scores give clues to the general level of academic challenge found in those schools. If your SSAT score of 65% is accurate, jumping into schools in which the average student scored significantly higher than you is not a recipe for success. </p>
<p>A full-pay candidate from a pre-prep applies to boarding schools. I’m certain the grades and recommendations painted a full picture. The schools probably could estimate your family’s capacity for donations well enough that trying to offer money for acceptance would be embarrassing for all involved.</p>
<p>Your best option is to choose one of the schools which accepted you, work hard at that school, and get on with your life. You could also try attending your local public high school. Work hard, get great grades and ECs, and apply as a repeat sophomore to a private school next year, if that’s still interesting to you at that point. You might find that your class rank and college placement opportunities are better at your local public high school than at a private school. Think long term.</p>
<p>I see. Well I strongly suggest that you apply to NMH again, I’m sure that your growth would show them a lot about your character (bring that up in interviews, haha)! One question I would have is are you desperate to go to any boarding school at all? If so, you need to find schools that are better suited for you, even if they aren’t very well known. For example, a school like the Berkshire school is considered a “safety school” for many kids. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a great school. Although i personally did not like it because of their small arts program, it has very strong academics. Also, they are looking to expand the school a lot, and would probably welcome privileged students with more donation capabilities. This is just an example, and there are many good schools out there that you would be well suited to. Also, remember that kids at smaller schools get into Ivies too! So do kids from public school! If you’re aiming for an ivy league school you have to work for it- getting into a wonderful boarding school ensures nothing. Best of luck!</p>
<p>To the original poster, do remember that there are schools that would have you with your scores and grades. Some might even still be taking applications after April 10. Every year, some nice person posts the link to the list that schools post, and you could call around. There are some really good schools on the list from time to time, and without financial need you would have an advantage if they are looking for students.</p>
<p>That said, to everyone who pooh-poohed the kid’s idea of a donation, you know that a big seven figure donation is good enough for many places. It would be naive to think otherwise. (Even Harvard, Yale, Etc. do this) Of course in the one case I personally know of, the donor was a person of much money (9 to 10 figures), and I would think the donation was seen as the tip of the iceberg in a pipeline of more money to come down the road. I don’t think even 7 figures would work for everyone. I think that is just the cover charge, and a building or something similar down the road would be the real goal.</p>
<p>My other question is this, unless your folks really are billionaires, (or nine figure millionaires), how would this be worth the money? A million or two now is worth many more millions if invested over a period of years. Wouldn’t that be a better investment than some fancy name?</p>
<p>The bottom line is: </p>
<p>if you are not academically capable of keeping up with the other kids in the school, no prestigious school will admit you for all the gold in Africa. </p>
<p>It’s not worth it for them-- it’s just going to cause them headaches down the road…</p>
<p>Your former faithful correspondent checks in occasionally and is stupified that anyone is falling for this. </p>
<p>There isn’t a legit boarding school (certainly none that have been mentioned here) that would respond to this call (will you accept Lisa/Brian if I give you 2m) without stunned silence, a long, choked laugh and then a dial tone. </p>
<p>You guys need to get a clue.</p>
<p>@fun is fun
I’m very glad to hear that, because I was really hoping that money couldn’t buy an education that wasn’t earned.</p>
<p>Moral reasons aside, I don’t think it’s impossible. I mean no one would just call them and ask if they’ll let me in if we pay 2m. This friend of my dad’s did this that’s where we got the idea from. Not a good thing indeed, but I was curious if it’s possible.</p>
<p>I only reply occasionally cause I actually have school and it’s not like I can give an instant reply 24/7.</p>
<p>To be honest, even though I desperately wanted to go to those school, I would be happier if bribing is impossible, so the perfect images of those schools in my mind won’t get shattered.</p>
<p>From the other threads I’ve read on college section people actually bribe their way to college, so yes I actually believe it’s possible. Frankly I don’t think I want to anymore, not after reading all the comments.</p>